Commentator Ron MacLean is drawing controversy for comparing the hockey players in the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals playoff series to the firefighters and police officers who responded to the 9/11 disaster.

Viewers of "Hockey Night In Canada" are no stranger to odd, sometimes controversial comments. But most of the time they come from long-time hockey commentator Don Cherry and not the straight-laced, mild-mannered Ron MacLean.

The offending gaffe came during MacLean's introduction to Game 6, which began with a rambling statement about New York and Washington's shared 9/11 history.

"It's crazy to compare what the emergency responders did during that time, but a spirit has to start somewhere," he said.

"You can't help but be struck by the players and the way they've played these games. They are like police officers, they are like firefighters. You can't fight fire with ego," he continued.

Needless to say, MacLean didn't get a free pass with many on Twitter getting their jabs in.